Wildfire evacuations underway for about 400 properties near Peachland, B.C.

By Canadian Press on July 30, 2025.

PEACHLAND — Tactical evacuations are underway for about 400 properties due to a fast moving wildfire burning between Peachland and West Kelowna, B.C.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says residents of properties east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C and north of Highway 97 should be prepared to be away from their homes for an “extended period of time.”

The B.C. government says tactical evacuations happen when there is an immediate threat to public safety, and if the threat continues, a strategic evacuation will be declared by local governments and First Nations.

The fire has also forced the closure of Highway 97 between Peachland and West Kelowna, while Highway 97C is closed from West Kelowna to 22 kilometres southeast of Merritt.

The BC Wildfire Service says the so-called Drought Hill fire is burning about two kilometres north of Peachland and 18 firefighters are responding to the blaze with support from three helicopters and other aircraft.

The service says its crews are using Okanagan Lake to pick up water to douse the flames, and they’re asking people on the lake to give the aircraft room.

The bulletin from Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says evacuation alerts would be issued shortly.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2025.

The Canadian Press